Extreme Fire Danger Returns to Montreal This Weekend, Officials Warn

UPDATE: The Greater Montreal area is set to face an extreme fire danger rating by Saturday, July 15, 2023, as confirmed by Quebec’s wildfire protection agency, the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU). This alarming forecast comes in light of a prolonged drought that has left vegetation across southern Quebec dangerously dry.

According to fire information officer Mélanie Morin, recent weather patterns have not provided enough relief. “Many gardens and lawns are dry, and that has been reflected in the fire danger rating as well as the fire activity that we’ve had,” she stated. Although patchy rainfall on Wednesday temporarily lowered Montreal’s fire danger to “moderate,” Morin cautions that this relief will be short-lived.

“By Saturday, extreme for the Montreal area and very high for the Laurentians,” Morin said. This increase in fire danger means even a small ember could ignite a significant blaze. “Once we get up into high, very high, extreme fire danger… the slightest spark could cause a wildfire,” she warned.

SOPFEU is urgently advising residents to review local regulations regarding fire use, as these can vary by municipality. In Montreal, open-air fires, bonfires, outdoor fireplaces, and fireworks are strictly prohibited without prior authorization, regardless of the fire danger level.

Most of the recent fires in southern Quebec have been linked to human activity, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and recreational users. “People who are out and about using fire near the woods,” Morin explained, emphasizing the heightened risk such activities pose.

For those living in or near forested areas, Morin recommends several safety measures: use spark-arrestor fire pits, maintain greenery around homes, and always extinguish fires before going to bed. “Make sure you put your fire out before you go to bed, and if you’re in a fire danger area that’s very high to extreme, avoid the use of fireworks,” she added.

While most wildfires in Quebec typically occur in May and June, current drought conditions have significantly raised the risk. “We see it every few years, where a situation will build up, and then it’ll take a change in weather — lots of rain, cooler temperatures,” to mitigate the threat, Morin noted.

As of now, there are no wildfires burning near Montreal. The closest active blazes are located near Mont-Tremblant, where two small fires are currently under control.

Residents are urged to stay informed about the ongoing fire risk and take necessary precautions as conditions evolve. The fire threat is real, and immediate action is essential to prevent potential disasters this weekend.